Giorgio Chiellini is reportedly on track for involvement in Italy’s semi-final this Thursday, despite suffering a thigh strain only a week ago.

The Juventus man picked up the first degree strain in his left thigh when in action for the Azzurri in their final group game of Euro 2012 last Monday against the Republic of Ireland.

The injury forced the player to sit out Sunday evening’s quarter-final win over England and there were doubts about his ability to recover in time for the semi-final and even final, should Italy make it.

First degree strains usually require 20 days to recover from, yet the player has already returned to training, having taken part in running and ball-work exercises this morning with Italy’s other players who did not play last night.

Italy face Germany in the second semi-final of the competition this coming Thursday night at the National Stadium in Warsaw. The final will be held next Sunday at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev.